The first half of Judges chapter 6 reminds us of God’s perspective on strength and weakness. The chapter begins, “Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord“. So many people have the mistaken understanding that God is looking to catch us when we mess up. But listen to what 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him“. God is on the constant lookout for people He can bless! And again we see our God of mercy is unwilling to allow His children to go on living in rebellion, as any loving parent, He disciplines His children. “…For seven years He gave them into the hands of the Midianites… so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountain clefts, caves and strongholds… they camped on the land and ruined the crops… did not spare a living thing… like swarms of locusts… so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help“. Anytime I see a parent that does not correct their children, I am reminded of Proverbs 13:24, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him“. A loving parent will take the time to correct his child in order to avoid the more severe consequences that lay ahead. God even sends a prophet to tenderly explain why He had to discipline the Nation, “I brought you out of Egypt, out of slavery… I am the Lord your God, do not worship the gods of the Amorites… but you have not listened to Me“.
Next, we read about another visit from God in human form Jesus Christ, the preexistent one, came to save the nation through a humble man. “The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat“. Please notice, Gideon is not praying, or calling out to God, or even studying his Bible; he is just humbly doing his job with diligence. He addresses Gideon with an odd greeting, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior“. I’m sure Gideon looked around to see who the Lord was speaking to. Gideon explains, “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least of my family“. It is only when we recognize our own weakness that we can fully trust in God’s strength. The Lord tells Gideon, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of the hand of the Midianites” but He also adds, “I will be with you“. We never talk about the strength of Gideon. Perhaps because in our society, humility and obedience are not admired; but they are desired by God.
Where are you today? Are you following “other gods”? Are you experiencing God’s correction? Are you too busy to hear His voice? Maybe you are just minding your own business, doing your job. Wherever you are, at this exact minute, God desires to work in and through your life. In the spiritual battle, God is not looking for skilled mercenaries and hardened fighters; He is looking for men and women that trust His promise. The apostle Paul, who preached forgiveness through Christ to the whole known world, said simply, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 3:14). In Matthew 28:20, Jesus made a promise to all that believe He died for their sins. “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The Lord is with YOU, mighty warrior! What is He calling you to do?